Korean spa resorts are ramping up promotions to capture late-winter travelers as visitor numbers approach pre-pandemic highs.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, domestic spa visitors reached 59,090 in 2024, recovering from a pandemic low of 34,356 in 2021. The figure had hit a record 63,817 in 2019 before COVID-19 struck. Industry officials expect last year or this year to set a new record, driven by the wellness trend.
Paradise Spa Dogo in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, is designated as a National Health Hot Spring under the Hot Springs Act. The facility operates all indoor and outdoor pools with 100% sulfur spring water. It offers various amenities including hot spring pools, wave pools, kids' pools, and cabins accommodating up to six guests for camping stays.
The resort's Cabin Park provides views of the West Sea sunset. Guests receive complimentary spa and hot spring access on their first day, with free hot spring use upon checkout the following day. Breakfast and barbecue sets are available for purchase.
Paradise Spa Dogo reported 5,923 visitors during the first weekend of this month, up 20.4% from 4,918 in the same period last year. The resort is offering late-winter discounts including 30% off for YouTube subscribers, 40% off for 2026 graduates and one companion, and 50% off weekday spa admission for groups of four or more purchasing tickets on-site.
"Guests can soak in warm water at the outdoor healing spa and enjoy a unique atmosphere with exotic scenery and charming capybara-themed installations," an Everland official said.
Daemyung Sono Group operates three natural hot spring resorts, including Delfino in Goseong, Gangwon Province. Delfino supplies mildly alkaline natural spring water from 500 meters underground to all rooms and pools. The Sono Felice Delfino infinity pool offers direct views of snow-covered Ulsanbawi Rock. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety selected it among "Six Best Winter Hot Springs." For the Lunar New Year holiday, the resort is offering seasonal menus including rice cake and dumpling soup, along with experience booths.
Sonobell Cheongseong in North Gyeongsang Province operates Solsaem Hot Spring, a mineral spring containing sulfate compounds. The facility features an open-air bath designed with a forest garden concept. Through January 26, the resort offers a staycation package combining one night's accommodation with unlimited hot spring access for two.
Sonocam Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province features Wellness Pool & Spa using mildly alkaline spring water drawn from 680 meters underground. The resort's Wellness Spa Moment package includes one night's accommodation, two spa admission tickets, and four 20% discount coupons.
Everland's Caribbean Bay in Gyeonggi Province transforms into a winter spa destination during the colder months. Operating as "Winter Spa Cabi," the facility keeps its indoor and outdoor spas, saunas, and wave pool heated throughout winter.
Through January 27, Everland is running the "Ever to Cabi" event, allowing visitors to access both Everland theme park and Caribbean Bay on the same day. Everland ticket holders can visit Caribbean Bay free of charge, or Caribbean Bay visitors can enter Everland free after 3 p.m.
This year, Caribbean Bay features a "Capybara Bay" theme throughout the water park, based on a story of Everland's popular capybaras visiting a warm resort destination.
